Cranbrook Calling!

Cranbrook Education Campus students broadcast ‘live’ about health in the community.

Students at Cranbrook Education Campus broadcast live on the digital airwaves on Thursday 23rd March between 2-3pm, discussing three key health topics affecting young people: anxiety, digital overload, and risks from energy drinks.

This was part of an innovative scheme helping students to learn new skills as well as to explore health and wellbeing issues which are important to them. You can listen again https://www.spreaker.com/show/2215858 and answer a short survey about your experience https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WTF8KFL

In a workshop provided by Sound Communities CIC, six students gained radio production skills and experience of online broadcast technology. Students interviewed their peers, families, parents, teachers and even the Cranbrook Herald reporter.

Head Teacher Steve Farmer said: “The Campus is really pleased to collaborate with Sound Communities and East Devon District Council.

“Our students gained new skills and were excited to experience what it is like to interview people and create a digital broadcast. In addition, they helped others explore ways to address issues like anxiety and health risks from energy drinks. This means that students and their families start to talk about their health and mental wellbeing, sharing ideas on how to help shape their community for the future.”

Kate Rudman from Sound Communities CIC said: “There was a high level of interest during the broadcast from communities and local schools, with at least 35 people listening in. The results of online polls conducted during the broadcast on facebook showed more than 100 votes and the show has had more than 140 plays in 24 hours - a number which will rise substantially no doubt over the coming days.

“We find working with students in this way is a really valuable learning experience for the students themselves and the community they interact with. All the students said they were excited to take part and can’t wait to do it again! It is so important to not just give young people a voice, but make sure that they are heard.”

EDDC helped facilitate the scheme in Cranbrook by introducing Sound Communities CIC and the school. The workshops have been provided through Cranbrook’s Healthy Town scheme which is funded by NHS England’s Healthy New Town programme. The broadcast will also provide evidence to inform future work to build healthy communities and new ways to provide health care.

Councillor Andrew Moulding, East Devon District Council’s Deputy Leader and executive spokesman for strategic partnerships, said: “The Cranbrook Healthy Town programme has really stepped up a gear. Not only is it at the cutting edge of technology, but it is involving students and their families in live conversations about health, helping the community to embrace a responsive and collaborative way of taking control of their own health.

“In this digital broadcast, young people themselves led the discussion, making their health concerns heard, as well as helping listeners consider making changes for the better.”